Best Waterfall Walks In Royal National Park

Some of the best waterfalls near Sydney aren’t hidden deep in the mountains or miles away—they’re just south of the city in Royal National Park. Sure, the park is mostly famous for its 27 km Royal Coast Track, but let’s not overlook its lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls.

That said, let me manage your expectations: most waterfalls in New South Wales are only spectacular when Mother Nature feels like turning on the taps. Otherwise, they’re more of a gentle trickle… or just an impressive collection of dry rocks. And yes, the waterfalls in Royal National Park are no exception.

Having lived in Sydney for a few years, I’ve seen my fair share of wild weather, including the kind of rain that makes you consider building an ark. After a few frustratingly underwhelming waterfall hikes, I figured out the secret: go right after heavy rain stops. That’s when the waterfalls are actually worth the effort—trust me, it makes all the difference.

this is an example of the huge different: Curracurrong Falls in both pictures

So, in this post, let me take you through the best waterfalls I stumbled upon in Royal National Park.

The most breathtaking waterfalls in Royal National Park

Wattamolla Falls

The easiest waterfall to reach in the park—and one that actually flows year-round. Of course, it looks its best after heavy rain, but at least you won’t be greeted by a sad trickle in drier months.

Wattamolla Falls empties into Wattamolla Lagoon and can even be seen from the beach. A waterfall by the ocean? Yes, please. Even better, you can swim right under it. There’s also a lookout at the edge of the picnic area with side views of the falls, plus sweeping views of the lagoon and beach. Don’t skip it, no matter how eager you are to dive into the water.

Wattamolla Beach and its stunning surroundings are one of my favorite Sydney day trips, and I’ve written a full post on all the best things to do—check it out here.

How to get to Wattamolla Falls?

To reach Wattamolla Beach, take Wattamolla Road off Sir Bertram Stevens Drive—just 3 km of easy, paved driving to a huge car park with toilets, BBQs, and picnic tables.

Curracurrong Falls

I’ll admit, you need the right conditions to see this waterfall at its best. But when the stars (or rather, the rain clouds) align, this one-of-a-kind waterfall—set in one of the most jaw-dropping locations I’ve ever seen—absolutely deserves the hype.

Curracurrong Falls isn’t just any waterfall; it’s a coastal waterfall, meaning it does something pretty spectacular—it plunges straight into the ocean. And not just from any old height—this beauty drops 82 meters from the towering cliffs along the Royal Coast Track. Honestly, the scenery here is breathtaking even without the waterfall, but when the water’s flowing? Next level.

To make things even better, Curracurrong Falls isn’t a solo act. It consists of two parallel cascades, backed by Eagle Rock—a sandstone formation that looks exactly like an eagle’s head (nature really outdid itself with that one). And if that’s not enough, there’s a third waterfall just a few hundred meters further, also dramatically tumbling into the sea.

How to get to Curracurrong Falls?

The easiest route? Start at Wattamolla Bay, pass Providential Point (because one epic viewpoint isn’t enough), and hike 4.7 km one way. Totally worth it.

Read our detailed hiking guide here.

Curracurrang Falls

Wait… didn’t I already mention this one? Nope! Read carefully—it’s Curracurrang, not Curracurrong (yes, just one letter off). While both waterfalls are along the same coastal route, they’re completely different.

This little-known gem is tucked away in the lush coastal forest along the hike from Wattamolla Beach to Curracurrong Falls (with an o!) and Eagle Rock. But unless you take a short detour, you’ll walk right past it—tragic, really, because this hidden spot is well worth a stop.

Unlike its towering neighbor, Curracurrang Falls is smaller and more intimate, featuring a series of delicate cascades that flow into a stunning swimming hole, all framed by lush greenery. And yes, you can swim directly under the falls—just watch out for those sneaky underwater rocks!

How to get to Curracurrang Falls?

As you cross Curracurrang Gully on the trail from Wattamolla Beach to Eagle Rock, watch for a narrow track veering off to the side. That’s your detour—just 200 meters of walking through a fairy-tale palm jungle before you arrive at this hidden oasis. I’ve even marked the route on a map for you—here.

National Falls

The Upper and Lower National Falls are ridiculously easy to reach—just a short walk from the road—yet somehow, most people just drive right past them. Their loss, your gain.

The name National Falls alone sounds grand, right? Add in the fact that the nearby town of Waterfall was literally named after it, and expectations go through the roof. But let’s be real: it only delivers if you visit at the right time. And by “right time,” I mean after several days of serious rain. Otherwise, you’ll just be admiring the dry rock overhangs (not bad, but not one of a kind in this area either).

That said, when the falls are actually flowing, they’re a must-see. Both the upper and lower falls feature dramatic overhangs, where you can walk behind the cascading water. They’re tucked just off McKell Avenue, with small, somewhat overlooked (and overgrown) walking tracks leading to each. There’s even a parking area—tiny, but it exists! Here are the GPS coordinates: 34.1506631S, 151.0145867E.

Viewpoints of the Upper National Falls

Start at the parking lot and take the short stroll to the upper lookout. It’s fenced and offers a view of… well, mostly the very top of the waterfall. But hey, if you hear rushing water, you know you’re in for a treat.

Now, walk a few meters back and take the wooden staircase down. At the bottom, there’s another fenced platform, but the view is pretty obstructed. Don’t be too disappointed yet—there’s a better way to experience this waterfall: walking behind the thundering water!

About halfway down the wooden stairs, look for a narrow dirt path. It’s not exactly official, but it’s also not forbidden. Follow it carefully, and you’ll find yourself under the rock overhang, right behind the waterfall. Stand there as long as you like, soak in the power of nature (literally, if the water’s flowing), and feel very cool about discovering this hidden spot.

Once you’re convinced the lower falls can’t possibly top this experience—it’s time to go see them. And spoiler alert: they will prove you wrong.

Get behind the Lower National Falls

If there isn’t much water in the upper falls, the lower falls won’t be running at all. At the time of our visit though, the upper falls were thundering, so we were excited to continue.

crossing under a small side waterfall (water flows everywhere after heavy rains)

There’s no official path anymore, but remnants of one still exist. No signs say you can’t go down there, so if you’re up for an adventure, here’s how to find it: walk about 150 meters down McKell Avenue from the parking lot. Stay behind the barriers (this is a busy road). Look for an abandoned stone staircase leading down into the bush—no signage, just a mysterious, overgrown entrance.

Take these stairs carefully, then follow the trail. Soon, you’ll pass a smaller waterfall pouring onto the path directly above you. Yes, you’ll have to walk under it. Yes, you’ll probably get wet. But that’s part of the fun.

Then, suddenly, you’re standing under a massive rock overhang, staring up at the breathtaking Lower National Falls. You’re safe from the drop-off, dry under the overhang, and completely immersed in the magic of this hidden beauty. That’s it. Enjoy. Oh, and embrace the mud.

Uloola Falls

This waterfall is a bit of a diva—it needs a good downpour to put on a show, and in dry spells, it practically ghosts you. Getting here isn’t exactly a walk in the park either, but don’t let that scare you off.

There are two ways in: the Uloola Track from Waterfall or the Karloo Track from Heathcote. The latter is my summer go-to because of Karloo Pool, an absolute gem of a swimming hole nestled in the forest. The big, smooth rocks around it are perfect for lounging in the sun.

If you’re up for more adventure, keep following Kangaroo Creek to discover even more swimming holes—the Olympic Pool is the biggest and most stunning. Another extension is a 2.2 km one-way track that takes you to the top of Uloola Falls. And if you’re feeling extra daring, there’s an unofficial (read: very steep) path down to the base of the falls.

How to get to Uloola Falls?

The Karloo Track kicks off right from Heathcote train station—2.2 km to Karloo Pool (map here), then another 2.2 km to Uloola Falls (map here).

Toonoum Falls

This one is easy to reach but tricky to admire—getting a clear view is a challenge, and it only flows after heavy rains.

The walk down is short but a bit rough, with rocky terrain and the occasional fallen tree to scramble over. It only takes a few minutes, but watch your step! To find the right path, head left from the car park—don’t be tempted to cross over the top of the falls; that way leads to a dead end.

How to get to Toonoum Falls?

Look for a dirt pull out where Toonoum Brook crosses Sir Bertram Stevens Drive.

Best waterfalls walks near Royal National Park

Kellys Falls, Garawarra State Conservation Area

Kellys Falls sits just outside the Royal National Park, only a few minutes’ drive from the end of the Royal Coast Track in Otford. It’s a stunning, impressively tall waterfall—but getting a good view isn’t exactly straightforward.

The official viewpoint along the Kellys Falls Track doesn’t offer much of a look at the falls. To truly appreciate them, you’ll need to tackle an unmaintained trail down to the base. It’s a bit of a challenge, but if you’re up for an adventure, the effort is absolutely worth it!

How to get to Kellys Falls?

Here’s the parking lot—just a heads-up, the last stretch of road isn’t sealed, but it’s accessible for all cars.

To get down to the falls, take the walking trail to the right of the car park, not the left. In other words, skip the Kellys Falls Track and follow the Princess Marina Track instead. The correct path to the waterfall is about 320 meters—if you’ve been walking for much longer, you’ve likely gone off track.

The Princess Marina Track leads you straight into the bush and down a few stairs. Before long, you’ll spot a black fence—look to the left, and you’ll see a clear but narrow dirt trail. From here:

• it starts as a dirt path,
• then, you’ll climb over a couple of rocks to reach a ropes,
• carefully climb down the first, then to the second rope—this one’s a steeper drop but still manageable;
• after that, it’s a straightforward dirt trail leading to the base of Kellys Falls and its beautiful rock pool.

Take your time, watch your footing, and enjoy the adventure!

Maddens Falls, Dharawal National Park

Just a short 15-minute drive from Otford (where the Coast Track ends), Maddens Falls is the perfect little bonus stop after a Royal National Park adventure. Plus, it’s one of the prettiest waterfalls near Sydney and keeps a decent flow even when the rest are running dry.

The falls tumble down in multiple tiers along the cliffside, and the fenced lookout is just a short, easy walk away. If the water level is low, you can (carefully!) cross the river near the top and make your way down to the upper cascades. This spot is hands-down my favorite—standing there, looking up at the falls, really lets you appreciate their size and power.

Only attempt the river crossing if the water is shallow and calm—you definitely don’t want an unexpected trip over the falls! Keep in mind, this isn’t an official track, so proceed with caution and at your own risk.

Entry fee for Royal National Park

Visiting Royal National Park will cost you $12 per vehicle per day. But if you’re a Sydney local or plan to explore multiple NSW national parks, do yourself a favor and get an annual pass. It pretty much pays for itself after just three or four visits (as long as you skip Kosciuszko National Park). Definitely a no-brainer if you love a good nature escape!

Where to stay in Royal National Park?

There’s no accommodation (other than camping) inside the national park, but you can find a few nice places to stay in several smaller towns south of Sydney, only a short drive away:

Luxury: Stanwell Beach Glass House, Stanwell Park. It’s a luxurious holiday home with five bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, and three bathrooms. It’s located right on the coast, just south of Royal National Park, and offering a stunning sea view.

Mid-range: Tree Top Rest – Bright Water Retreat, Bundeena. At the northern tip of Royal National Park, this one-bedroom apartment with a private pool is close to both fabulous beaches and attractions in the park.

Budget: Helensburgh Hotel, Helensburgh. 30 minutes drive from Wattamolla in Royal National Park, Helensburgh Hotel offers various types of simple, clean, comfortable rooms.

What to pack for a waterfall hike

Waterproof hiking boots. I don’t use my waterproof boots too often since we moved to Sydney, but steep, muddy trails give me a good reason to do so from time to time. The soil will likely be soaked right after heavy rains, and sometimes even small creeks flow where the trail leads.

Waterproof coat. Windy, rainy weather can feel quite chilly despite the general mild coastal climate of Sydney.

Swimsuits. If you hike on a warm day, you might get tempted to jump into the natural swimming holes that you find at the bottom of some of these waterfalls.

Water shoes. They help with slippery or sharp rock as you enter the swimming holes. They’re optional, so don’t bother carrying them on longer hikes.

Enough water. At least 1.5 liters per person, more if it’s hot.

Sunscreen and hat. The Aussie sun is no joke, even in shaded areas.

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